Jewish Democrats: Our Only Path to Victory Is to Stay in the Party
We must be part of the mission to preserve American democracy, so we must stay Democrats and keep our Party Pro Israel
Jewish Democrats must be seen as part of the effort to preserve democracy. We need to be visible as voters, organizers, donors, volunteers, candidates, activists, and party leaders, all while saying, “We support Israel.”
I could write an entire article explaining why preserving democracy must be the party’s central purpose right now, but that is not the purpose of this article. If you are a Democrat, you already understand what is at stake.
We the Zionists are a stronger constituency than the Democratic Socialists of America. Do not let anyone convince you otherwise. American Jews have deep roots in the Democratic Party, and roughly 75% of Jewish voters vote Democratic.
Our influence depends upon our presence. We must be there. Even if you have never been active, now is the time the Jewish people need you.
You may ask, “How can I support an anti-Israel candidate?”
This cycle, DSA victories will not produce enough votes to harm Israel. Our presence gives us influence now, and we can primary them in 2028.
Jewish Democrats must boldly work in every congressional and senatorial race.
Where a primary is still underway, we need to show up now, be visible, and work for the pro-Israel Democratic candidate. We should knock on doors, make calls, contribute money, speak publicly, and help that candidate win.
Please stay with me.
When a pro-Israel Democrat wins the primary, we continue until Election Day. Thank that candidate for standing firm and make certain the campaign understands that Jewish Democrats and Zionists recognize political courage.
If a DSA candidate wins the primary, we must go from our candidate’s election headquarters to the victor’s celebration, congratulate the winner, and say, “We worked for your opponent. You won. We are here to join your team.” They will embrace you.
You may be asking, “How can I work for that candidate?”
Because we are protecting democracy, electing Democrats, and preserving our place within the party. One additional DSA member of Congress does not have the power to overturn American support for Israel in the next Congress. Our absence, however, would remove Jewish voices from the campaign and surrender every conversation to people who have embraced the false allegations against Israel.
Our presence empowers Israel.
Be visible. Let people know you are Jewish, a Zionist, or both. Say it with pride.
Let them see that defending democracy, advancing progressive domestic policies, supporting Palestinian dignity, and standing with Israel are compatible commitments. Israel itself is the best example of the DSA’s domestic agenda.
Dem/DSA Unity with Israel, Peace = Big Victory in November
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/dem-dsa-unity-with-israel-peace-big-victory-in-november/
Let them know you care about Palestinians, support a two-state solution, and look forward to the day when Palestinians have leadership that wants peace.
Tell them, “If you make peace with Israel, Israel makes peace with you.”
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/if-you-make-peace-with-israel-israel-makes-peace-with-you/
Show up alone or in groups. Reach out to everyone you know and share this mission and this article through your:
- Synagogue
• Jewish federation
• Democratic Jewish caucus
• Social circles
• Local and nationwide networks
• online
Then build relationships.
Work shoulder to shoulder with campaign volunteers. Make calls together. Staff events together. Knock on doors together. Share meals and conversations. Become someone they know and trust.
When you hear anti-Israel conversations, politely challenge the false premises. The goal is to enlighten the misguided.
Remember, “Israel is a light unto the nations.”
Am Yisrael Chai. We are collectively Israel. Go forth and enlighten.
This strategy, I believe, is the most effective one we have now.
Belly to belly. Grassroots to grassroots. On a massive scale.
We do not have time to overthink this. We need to act.
While working on the campaign, talk to everybody, from top staff to every volunteer. When Israel comes up negatively, challenge it. Say the candidate would be more attractive to more voters by moving away from anti-Israel positions.
We must nullify the claims that Israel is:
- a settler-colonial project.
• an apartheid state.
• committing genocide.
• inherently immoral.
We must also nullify the claim that Zionism is racism or Jewish supremacy.
There is plenty of material, video, research, testimony, and documentation available to nullify these falsehoods, including many of my previous articles.
“Here’s the Game Plan to Remove the Anti-Israel Narrative from the DSA”
The purpose here is to establish the mission.
Jews and Zionists must be active in Democratic politics so these conversations can happen.
Grassroots. Belly to belly. It is up to us. Take action today. Volunteer.
When working inside the DSA, let them know that we all embrace these policies:
- Labor rights and union power
- Medicare for All
- Affordable housing and tenant power
- Climate action and a Green New Deal
- Immigration reform
- Racial justice, policing, and abolition
- Education as a public good
- LGBTQ and reproductive rights
- Taxing wealth and expanding public ownership
Except I support Israel.
If they say you must be against Israel, ask:
“Is opposition to Israel a litmus test? Does the DSA tolerate no disagreement?”
Our involvement in this election cycle gives us the relationships, experience, credibility, and organization to influence the people we help elect. The goal is for candidates and their people to reconsider Israel.
Show up at town hall meetings.
If DSA elected officials remain anti-Israel, we primary them in 2028.
The DSA builds political power by recruiting candidates, contesting primaries, organizing volunteers, and showing up repeatedly.
We need to remain present beyond the campaign. They need to hear from us again and again, from everywhere.
We will work for democracy, elect Democrats, challenge propaganda with truth and keep our Party Pro Israel.
The American Jewish community has helped shape the Democratic Party for generations.
Now is the time to show up, stand proud, and help.
Our future is on the line.
It is up to you.
